173 days for Joint Authority (JA) Decision is correct. Note that...

173 days for Joint Authority (JA) Decision is correct. Note that NOPTA don't make a decision, they simply make a recommendation against the legislative framework and pass that up to the JA to make a call. 173 days is on the longer side but not really indicative of anything except Fed and/or State minister having more pressing things in front of them. A few other things to note:
1. JA usually follow NOPTA recommendation but do not always and are not compelled to;
2. Current permit does not expire whilst an application is with the JA for decision;
3. permit may continue for 2 months after notice of JA decision (or longer by agreement - they could knock it back but the permit could continue for another two months);
4. If State and Fed minister disagree (or State were to abstain due to fear of political fallout), then Fed minister can make the decision by giving 30 days notice to State minister.

It is possible (although I really hope not) that this could drag on for a fair bit longer. Please feel free to correct me if I've got anything wrong or any more to add. Smash s 265(A) of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 - super shit read but I reckon anyone thinking about buying or selling should probably spend at least a couple of mins on it.